Seorae: First Korean BBQ in Singapore with Galmaegisal

Meat lovers, you are in for a treat. The acclaimed Korean brand for the delectable galmaegisal, Seorae, has finally established its long awaited presence within the confines of our city! For the uninitiated, galmaegisal (pork skirt meat) is found between the ribs and the belly of the hog. Its rarity, in constituting only 250 grams of any full-grown pig, predisposes it to become one of the foremost Korean royal delicacies back in the older days. Taste wise, what makes this meat cut so special is its perfect blend of tenderness and succulence with a minimum amount of fat. Seorae takes the delicacy one notch further by enhancing its aromatic taste with its “charcoal grilling” cooking method.

Marinated in a harmonious fusion of Korean spices, the galmaegisal ($21.90, pictured above) is then grilled to perfection. The end result is a perfect crust that is accompanied by a distinct savoury centre. Have it on its own or dip into the complimentary onion or spicy sauce for an explosion of flavours – sour, tangy and savoury all at once. Alternatively, consume the meat together with the silky, soft eggs placed on the side of the grill. While the sumptuous galmaegisal is a must-try at Seorae, keep an open mind to the other meat cuts offered. From pork belly to premium beef, you'll be spoilt for choice!

In between the grilling sessions, we were served the signature Sundubu Jjigae ($14.90, pictured above), which is a spicy tofu stew combined with minced pork, vegetables, clams and eggs. Just one mouthful of the congruous fusion and we were utterly and completely sold. This dish reminded us of the classic Korean Kimchi Stew, except that the Sundubu Jjigae lacked the excessive acrid taste of kimchi stew whilst managing to retain a savoury flavour.

After devouring the tender grilled meat, we proceeded to cleanse our palates with the refreshing Bibim Naengmyeon ($15.90, pictured above), also known as Korean nangmyeon noodles soaked in ice cold water and topped off with crunchy cucumbers and hard-boiled egg. Unlike other quintessential Korean cold noodles, it had an infusion of Seorae’s special bibim spicy sauce for an addictive kick.

From their innovative line of Patbingsoo, an exemplary representation would be the Bibim Patbingsoo ($12.90, pictured above), a fusion of fruits, jelly and vanilla ice cream exquisitely platted to resemble the Korean dish Bibimbap. If you think the dessert is not sweet enough, you can drizzle the complimentary strawberry sauce on top of the shaved ice. All in all, we certainly relished every single dish served during our short dining stint at Seorae and we would definitely recommend it to you! Note: To commemorate the opening of Seorae Singapore, diners will receive a dining voucher worth $38 with every $80 spent (limited period only). Seorae, Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road #02-01, Singapore 238839

Written by Tan Siew Bee Images: Seorae Singapore Facebook Page, Tan Siew Bee, Seorae Singapore